Label for modified atmosphere packaging

ABSTRACT

Maintenance of conditions optimal to perishable materials within a package during shipment will prolong the lifetime of the goods for shipment. The present invention provides a system for mitigating spoilage of perishable materials. The system comprises a container defining a compartment for storage of perishable materials, the container further defining an opening for providing communication between the compartment and an outside environment. A film cooperates with the container to seal the opening of the container and control flow of gas and water vapor transfer between the compartment and the outside environment.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention provides for a film for use on a modified atmosphere packaging container. More specifically, the film controls transfer of gas and water vapour between the interior of the container and the environment outside the container.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Fruit, vegetables and cut-flowers are highly perishable agricultural commodities. Decay and growth of microorganisms including bacteria and fungi can lead to rapid quality deterioration and spoilage after harvest of agricultural commodities, as well as for other raw and processed food materials.

Maintenance of conditions optimal to the perishable goods within a package during shipment would prolong the lifetime of the goods for shipment. Environmental properties important to maintaining the quality of the perishable goods include oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels. As well, buildup of moisture in the vicinity of the perishable goods can lead to growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungus, and yeast. Sub-optimal conditions can lead to decay and spoilage of perishable goods.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The invention provides for a system for mitigating spoilage of perishable materials. The system comprises a container defining a compartment for storage of perishable materials, the container further defining an opening for providing communication between the compartment and an outside environment. The system further comprises a film that cooperates with the container to seal the opening of the container and control flow of gas and water vapor transfer between the compartment and outside environment.

In an aspect of the invention, the film has a water vapor transfer rate between 170 and 470 g m²/day at 38° C. and 100% relative humidity.

In an aspect of the invention, the film has a water vapor transfer rate exceeding 200 g m²/day at 38° C. and 100% relative humidity.

In a preferred embodiment, the film has a water vapor transfer rate between 171 and 202 g m²/day at 38° C. and 100% relative humidity.

In an aspect, the film is permeable to water vapor to maintain a relative humidity between 85% and 100%.

In an aspect, the film has an O₂ transfer rate of 20-1245 cm³/m²/day atm at 25° C. and 0% relative humidity.

In an aspect, the film is formed to have a O₂ transfer rate of 20-36 cm³/m²/day atm at 25° C. and 0% relative humidity.

In an aspect, the film is formed to have a CO₂ permeability of 60-100 cm³/m²/day atm at 25° C. and 0% relative humidity.

In an aspect, the film has a thickness of 500-10,000μm.

In an aspect, the film has a thickness of over 2,000μm.

In an aspect, the film is a label and further comprises ink.

In an aspect, properties of the ink cooperate with the film to allow desired moisture and gas transfer properties to be maintained.

In an aspect, the ink is hydrophilic and non-metallic.

In an aspect, the container is formed from a rigid material formed to maintain shape when carrying perishable materials.

In an aspect, the container is comprised of a base defining the compartment for holding perishable materials, the base further defining an opening providing communication between the compartment and outside environment. The container further comprises a lid which cooperates with base forming a seal over the opening defined by the base, the lid defining a second opening. The film cooperates with the surface of the lid to seal the second opening and control gas flow and water vapor transfer between the compartment defined by the base and the lid, and the outside environment.

In an aspect, the lid comprises a recessed surface, wherein the second opening is positioned within the recessed surface, whereby the second opening is sealed upon application of the film.

In an aspect, the second opening is a perforated surface.

In an aspect, the recessed surface and the film define a second compartment formed to fit a spoilage inhibiting agent for mitigating spoilage of perishable items.

In an aspect, the film is comprised of the material Capran 2500.

In an aspect, the container is comprised of corrugated linerboard consisting of 40 gsm kraft/35 gsmPP/170 gsm kraft.

In an aspect, the lid is comprised of plastic. The plastic the lid is comprised of may be polyethylene terephthalate.

In a preferred embodiment of the system, the CO₂ and O₂ transmission rates of the sealed container are a maximum of 1000 cm³/container/day and 1200 cm³/container/day, respectively.

In another aspect, film is a flexible film.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the preferred embodiments are provided herein below by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 provides images displaying quality of peppers during a test of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 provides images displaying quality of peppers during a test of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 provides images displaying quality of peppers during a test of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 provides images displaying quality of peppers during a test of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 provides images displaying quality of peppers during a test of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 provides images displaying quality of peppers during a test of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 provides graphs of properties of films that may be used in embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 provides a view of an embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is appreciated that the many embodiments of the present invention can be utilized in a wide variety of applications and industries. The present invention can be utilized with the transportation, treatment, and storage of a plethora of items. Items include but are not limited to produce, cheeses, flowers, poultry, and other meats and seafoods, nuts, dehydrated foods, mail, parcels, medical tools and equipment, etc.

The invention provides for a system for mitigating spoilage of perishable materials, the system comprising a container defining a compartment for storage of perishable materials, the container further defining an opening for providing communication between the compartment and an outside environment. The system further comprises a film that cooperates with the container to seal the opening of the container and control gas flow and water vapor transfer between the compartment and the outside environment.

The outside environment is the area outside of the system. The outside environment may be the atmosphere within shipping containers, warehouses, distribution centres, or any other location the system may be placed. For example, it is not uncommon for perishable materials such as produce to be packed into the system in an agricultural field, shipped over long distances, and stored for periods of time at storage locations. All of these locations may comprise the outside environment at one time or another.

The permeability of material is typically defined as the water vapor transfer rate, moisture vapor transmission rate, or water vapor transmission rate. For greater certainty, water vapor transfer rate, moisture vapor transmission rate, and water vapor transmission rate have the same meaning. These are defined as the measure of the movement of water vapor through a material. The conditions under which the measurement is made affects the measurement. These conditions include temperature and humidity, which should be measured, controlled, and recorded with the result, when defining the water vapor transfer rate of a material.

In an embodiment, the film has a permeability to water vapor exceeding about 200 g/m²/day at 38° C. and 100% relative humidity. Preferably, the permeability of the film provides for a relative humidity within the system of 85-90%.

In an embodiment, the water vapor transfer rate of the film is 170-470 g/m²/day at 38° C. and 100% relative humidity.

In an embodiment, the water vapor transfer rate of the film is 171-202 g/m²/day at 37.8° C. and 100% relative humidity.

In an embodiment, the film maintains an atmosphere within the system of 1-20% O₂ and 0.5-20% CO₂, and a relative humidity of 85-100% at −0.5 to 15° C.

In an embodiment of the invention, the film is a plastic material having a thickness of 500 to 10,000 μm. Preferably the film material has a thickness of 2,000 μm or greater.

Increasing thickness of the film is inversely proportional to the transfer rate of water vapour through the film. It is preferable that the film has a sufficient thickness to be handled and applied to the container using automated machinery, yet thin enough to maintain optimal water vapour transfer rates. It is also desirable to maintain optimal CO₂ and O₂ transfer rates in order to mitigate spoilage of perishable goods.

An embodiment of the film is formed from a material having a CO₂ transfer rate of approximately 50-100 cm³/m²/day at 0% relative humidity and 38° C.

In an embodiment, the film is formed to have an O₂ transfer rate of 20-36 cm³/m²/day at 0% relative humidity and 25° C. In another embodiment, the film is formed to have an O₂ transfer rate of 20-1245 cm³/m²/day at 25° C. and 0% relative humidity.

In an embodiment, the film is formed to have an O₂ transfer rate of 2500-7500 cm³/m²/day at 15° C. and 90% relative humidity.

The CO₂ and O₂ transmission rates of the sealed container should be a maximum of 1000 cm ³/container/day and 1200 cm³/container/day, respectively, at a relative humidity of 85-100% at -0.5 to 15° C.

An embodiment of the film comprises a polyamide. The polyamide may comprise nylon-6 or nylon-66 or copolyamides such as nylon-6/66 or nylon-6/12. For example, the material may be manufactured from a polymeric material that comprises a blend of nylon-6 and nylon-66, nylon-6/66, or nylon 6/12 with other polymeric and/or non-polymeric components.

In an embodiment, the raw material the film is comprised of may be manipulated to tailor its permeability to water vapor, to either increase or decrease the water vapor permeability of the film. For example, blends of nylon-6 or nylon 6/66 with other raw materials may be processed to provide a film with a lower water vapor permeability or a higher water vapor permeability than a film processed with nylon-6 alone.

Alternatively, the film material may be manipulated by steam treatment or other processes to increase its water vapor permeability.

Preferably, an embodiment of the composition of the film material includes a polyamide such as nylon-6 or nylon-66, commercially available from Allied Signal as Capron® 3090FN, or copolyamides such as nylon-6/66, commercially available from Allied Signal as Capron® CA95YP, or nylon-6/12, commercially available from EMS as Grilon® CR8. The material may be manufactured from blends containing nylon-6, nylon-66, nylon-6/66, or nylon-6/12 with other polymeric and/or non-polymeric components. For such polyamides alone, oxygen (O₂) permeability is about 0.4-1.5 cm³ mm/m² day atm and carbon dioxide (CO₂) permeability is about 1.8-3.0 cm³ mm/m² day atm when measured at 23-25° C. and 0% relative humidity.

An embodiment of the film additionally comprises a blend of polyamides with other homopolymer polyamides. By blending a given polyamide with a second polyamide having a higher percentage of amide groups than the original polyamide, the water vapor permeability of the blend will usually be higher than that of the original polyamide. By blending a given polyamide with a second polyamide having a lower percentage of amide groups than the original polyamide, the water vapor permeability of the blend will usually be lower than that of the original polyamide. For example, nylon-6 may be blended with nylon-11 or nylon-12 to produce films having reduced water vapor permeability relative to that of nylon-6 alone and are characterized by minimal moisture condensation on the film surface when used in cooperation with a container to package produce.

An embodiment of the film comprises a blend of polyamides with copolymers containing amide groups. For example, blends of nylon-6/66 copolymer with nylon-6, in an amount ranging from 5-100% nylon-6/66 give increased water vapor permeability and gloss relative to nylon-6 alone. As a further example, the plastic packaging material may comprise nylon-6 blended with nylon-6I/6T, commercially available from Du Pont as SELAR® PA 3426, to produce films of 20 and 30 micron thickness. Ratios may be between 80-99% nylon-6 and 1-20% nylon-6I/6T. The resulting films have reduced water vapor permeability relative to nylon-6 alone and retain the ability to minimize condensation.

Another embodiment of the film material may comprise polyamides or other hydrogen bonding polymers blended with polyether-block-amides, such as Pebax® MX1205, commercially available from Elf Atochem, to increase water vapor permeability of the material relative to the polymers without polyeither-block-amides.

Embodiments of the film can include varied thickness, water vapor transfer rate, gas transfer rate of CO₂ and/or O₂, and size and area covered by the film. For example, increased water vapor transmission can be achieved with films having a larger area.

Properties of the film are such that the water vapor transmission rate increases with temperature. This leads to removal of more moisture produced by produce or other perishable goods at higher temperatures.

In an embodiment, the film is comprised of CAPRAN® 2500, MDPE/PE, 75 EVHS1, 40 EV, 30 EVHS1, or 25EV material. Preferably, the film is comprised of CAPRAN® 2500.

CAPRAN® 2500 is a 1.0 mil (25 micron) biaxially oriented nylon 6 film. Properties of CAPRAN® 2500 are elaborated on in Table 2.

In an embodiment of the invention, the film is a label and further comprises ink. The ink cooperates with the film material to allow for maintenance of optimal transfer of water vapour to mitigate condensation in the container. The ink may further cooperate with the film to allow desired gas transfer properties of the film to be maintained. In a preferred embodiment, the ink is hydrophilic and capable of transmitting water vapour. The ink is preferably be non-metallic as metallic inks have low water vapor transmission rates.

The label is functional in that it provides graphic and identifying information, while allowing water vapor to transmit.

Messaging provided on the label can be customized through application of ink in various designs which may include words, logos, brands, colors and pictures.

In an embodiment, the label further serves to seal in antimicrobial vapors held within the container in order to maintain antimicrobial activity within the compartment of the system. The purpose of maintaining antimicrobial activity within the compartment of the system is to mitigate growth of pathogens and microbials and thus mitigate spoilage of perishable goods such as produce within the system.

The system comprises a film cooperating with a container to seal the compartment defined by the container from the environment outside the container. The container may be comprised of a rigid material or a flexible material. Preferably, the container is comprised of a rigid material, as the rigid material protects the container contents to mitigate bruising of perishable goods in the compartment of the container when packages are stored in close viscinity to one another during packing, shipment, and storage. The film provides for a relatively higher permeability to water vapour and gas than the container, effectively controlling the rate of water vapour transfer and gas flow from inside the container to outside the container.

In an embodiment, the container is comprised of a base defining the compartment for holding perishable materials, the base further defining an opening providing communication between the compartment and the outside environment. The container further comprises a lid which cooperates with the container base to form a seal over the opening. The lid defines a second opening. The film cooperates with the surface of the lid, allowing the film to seal the second opening and control flow of gas and water vapor transfer between the compartment defined by the base and lid, and the outside environment. The film may be sealed to the lid by an adhesive.

The lid may further comprise a recessed surface relative to a raised surface of the rest of the lid, the second opening defined by the recessed surface. The film may be applied to the portion of the lid raised relative to the recessed area to cover and seal the space defined by the recessed surface and walls between the raised surface and recessed surface. The walls connecting the raised surface and recessed surface may be substantially perpendicular or they may be slanted relative to the surfaces.

In an embodiment, the second opening is comprised of a plurality perforations defined by the recessed surface. The recessed surface and the film adhered to the raised surface may define a second compartment formed to fit a sachet containing contents suitable for mitigating spoilage of perishable items. Sachet contents may comprise an oxidizing material or other means of mitigating growth of microorganisms in the compartment.

In embodiments, any of the openings defined by the container or container lid may be comprised of a plurality of perforations defined by the container or container lid.

In an embodiment, the second opening defined by the lid is 3″ by 4″ and the film is sized as a 5″×4″.

The film can be die cut on the printing line. Ink can be applied as a silk screening process. A screening process could include application of a base coat of background color such as white with the other colors applied subsequently in the silk screening process.

In an embodiment of the system, the container is formed from corrugated flat stock that has low carbon dioxide and oxygen transmission rates (1700-2000 cm³/m²/d and 500-700 cm³/m²/d, respectively at a relative humidity of 85-100% at −0.5 to 15° C.) and is impervious to water vapor transmission. Preferably the oxygen transmission rate of the corrugated flat stock is 600 cm³/m²/d. To achieve the low rates of oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor transmission rates, a linerboard consisting of 40 gsm kraft/35 gsmPP/170 gsm kraft is corrugated on one or both sides of the fluting material. The carton design consists of raised corners with intermediate support provided by either the corrugate or the lid corner supports. In this embodiment, the system further comprises plastic lid of unique design that is form fitted to the box and sealed with a high barrier tape. The film is applied to the surface of the lid to seal the second opening.

An embodiment of the lid is comprised of a plastic material. The plastic material is preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PETE).

In an embodiment of the system, the label may be designed from the following materials:

TABLE 1 Mean Mean Moisture O₂ Barrier Barrier Mean (15 degree C. (15 degrees C. Grammage 90% RH 100% (g/m2: Oxtran 2/20). RH Permatran approx. (cm³/m2/day W3/33) Material Origin microns) to 100% O2) (g/m2/day) Fresha 32.6 3120 1.43 PeakFresh 33.1 2668 1.09 Indian Big Line 21.4 6116 2.20 (33.3% AC0895) Indian Small Line 19.9 6751 2.25 (33.3% AC0895) Turkish Line 5 21.1 5495 2.04 (33.3% AC0895) Turkish Line 5 20.3 7475 1.52 (without masterbatch) Donington “Clear” 29.4 3903 1.16 (2.5% AY0830) Donington “Clear” 29.0 4130 1.20 (5% AY0830) Britton Merlin 0895 20.4 6314 3.20 21 um blue Marchant 0895 21 um 21.5 4819 2.94 blue Marchant MBC1 21 18.5 6372 2.24 um own recipe Marchant 0875 21 um 21.3 3794 1.45 own recipe Sylvaphane 0875 blue 24.6 7020 2.39 Sylvaphane 0895 blue 24.9 6731 1.57 Compost Ready 31.7 = 25 μm 341 42.5 1294S 25 um Compost Ready 33.2 = 25 μm 278 50.0 1294SLE 25 um

A perceived advantage of the system is that mass production of containers, or in some embodiments container bases and lids, can be economically achieved. This is followed by application of customized films having properties optimized to control water vapor and gas transfer rate of the system to mitigate spoilage of perishable goods. When the film is a label, the design of ink on the label may be customized. Application of customized films and labels to mass produced containers, container bases and lids to form a system for mitigating spoilage of perishable goods provides for economic efficiencies in production.

EXAMPLE 1

Bell peppers were harvested and transported to a cooler within 4 hours of harvest. The peppers are cooled to 7° C. within 6 hours by pressure cooling. They are held in forced air cooling at 7° C. overnight (75-90% RH). Peppers are packed containers comprising a ½ Euro box (30 cm×40 cm×11 cm tall). The container was comprised of corrugated linerboard consisting of 40 gsm kraft/35 gsmPP/170 gsm kraft. The container has low oxygen and carbon dioxide transmission rates and are impervious to water vapor transmission. A polyethylene terephthalate lid having a 4″ by 3″ opening was form fitted to the box and sealed with a high barrier tape to the opening at the top of each container.

Films of 5″ by 4″ dimensions were adhered and sealed to the lid to cover the openings. Film adhered to the containers were selected from the a list of films consisting of FreshTec, Capran 2500, 75EVHS1, 40EV, 30EVHS1, 25EV. Each box is weighted and the weight was recorded on the box and in a record book.

The material properties of the 6 films tested are outlined in Table 2.

TABLE 2 typical properties at 23 C. - 50% RH unless otherwise noted WVTR O²TR Gauge Yield Tensile (g/m²/day) - (cc/m²/day) - Material (microns) (m²/kg) Strength Gloss Haze COF 100% RH 0% RH @38 C. (MDPE/PE) 2-3 mm 0.1 cm³/m²/day 947 ± 32 at 24° C. Capran 2500 25 (1 mil) 34.1 235-290 MPa 90-140 @ 20 C. 2.3-3.4% 171-202 20-36 75 EVHS1 75 10.7 62 N/mm² 75 @ 45 degrees ≦2 0.5 170 458 @ 25 C. 40EV 40 20.0 62 N/mm² 75 @ 45 degrees ≦2 0.5 250 645 @ 25 C. 30EVHS1 30 26.8 62 N/mm² 75 @ 45 degrees ≦2 0.5 350 965 @ 25 C. 25EV 25 32.1 62 N/mm² 75 @ 45 degrees ≦2 0.5 466 1245 @ 25 C. 

It should be further noted that the MDPE/PE film had an approximate CO₂ transmission rate of 2,732 cm³/m²/day±101, and a CO₂ to O₂ transmission rate ratio of approximately 2.79 at 23° C. and 52% RH.

Each container and film combination holding peppers was stored at between 3 and 4° C., and observations on visible moisture and the state of the peppers were recorded over time.

Evaluations were performed on the peppers immediately upon removal from storage and after two days at 18° C. and 50% RH. Samples taken for evaluation of color maturity and firmness at harvest, day 0, day 14, day 21 and day 28+. Samples were evaluated for fruit condition, stem shrivel, fruit shrivel, moisture level, decay, flavor and texture based on a five point scale, as well as carbon dioxide levels and weight loss on a percentage basis.

Tests of each container label combination were performed in duplicate and results are shown in FIGS. 1-6 and in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Observations from pepper storage trials. Rating Process/ or CO2 Date Temp Label Weight Observations Reading May 30, Cooler MDPE/PE 5 lbs Packing Day, Day 1 2013 Temp 5.65 oz Internal temperatures of peppers in all 3° C. Capran 2500 5 lbs containers were measured at 9° C. 5.20 oz 75 EVHS1 5 lbs 5.20 oz 40EV 5 lbs 5.85 oz 30EVHS1 5 lbs 5.90 oz 25EV 5 lbs 6.10 oz May 31, Cooler MDPE/PE Moisture droplets on lid 2013 Temp Capran 2500 No Visible moisture 4° C. 75 EVHS1 No Visible moisture 40EV Small amount of moisture on label 30EVHS1 No Visible moisture 25EV No Visible moisture Jun. 3, Cooler MDPE/PE Moisture present on lid and peppers 2013 Temp Capran 2500 No Visible moisture 3° C. 75 EVHS1 No Visible moisture 40EV No Visible moisture 30EVHS1 No Visible moisture 25EV Visible moisture on lid and peppers could be due to placement in fridge at back of box Jun. 5, Cooler MDPE/PE Water dripping off Lid 6 2013 Temp Capran 2500 No Visible moisture 1 4° C. 75 EVHS1 Moisture starting to form on lid 5 40EV Moisture starting to form on lid 3 30EVHS1 Water droplets forming 4 25EV Water droplets forming 2 Jun. 7, Cooler MDPE/PE 5 lbs Heavy moisture 6 2013 Temp 5.70 oz 4° C. Capran 2500 5 lbs Very little moisture 1 5.20 oz 75 EVHS1 5 lbs Heavy moisture under label only 5 5.20 oz 40EV 5 lbs Moisture under label 4 5.85 oz 30EVHS1 5 lbs Water Droplets on lid 3 5.85 oz 25EV 5 lbs Light moisture under label 2 5.70 oz Jun. 17, Cooler MDPE/PE 5 lbs Heavy mold on one pepper Minor 2.10% 2013 Temp 5.60 oz mold on one pepper 3° C. Capran 2500 5 lbs Very little moisture Still by far the best 2.20% 5.20 oz 75 EVHS1 5 lbs Minor mold starting to form on Stem 1.70% 5.15 oz 40EV 5 lbs Mold forming on bruise 2.00% 5.70 oz 30EVHS1 5 lbs Heavy Mold on one Stem minor mold 2.70% 5.70 oz on other 25EV 5 lbs Mold starting to form on stems 2.50% 5.95 oz Jul. 4, Cooler MDPE/PE 5 lbs Heavy moisture on lid, One pepper 2.60% 2013 Temp 5.60 oz heavy mold and decay, 5 stems with 3° C. notable mold, peppers cuts crisp Capran 2500 5 lbs Light moisture on lid, very slight mold 3.10% 5.00 oz starting to form on stems, one pepper starting to decay, pepper cuts crisp 75 EVHS1 5 lbs Medium to heavy moisture on lid, 2.60% 5.10 oz Medium to light moisture forming on stems, 2 peppers starting to decay, one pepper heavy decay, mold has formed on bruises, cuts crisp 40EV 5 lbs Medium to light moisture on lid, light 3.10% 5.60 oz mold on stems, mold on bruises, 3 peppers starting to decay, peppers cut crisp, 3 peppers look spotted light and dark green in colour 30EVHS1 5 lbs Heavy mold on 4 peppers, 5 peppers 3.40% 5.40 oz heavy decay, Light moisture on lid, peppers cuts crisp 25EV 5 lbs Light moisture on lid, Light mold 3.40% 5.75 oz forming on stems, heavy mold around stem base on one pepper, 2 peppers starting to decay, cuts crisp

The results are further illustrated in photographs of pepper storage over the lifetime of the experiment. These can be seen in FIGS. 1-6.

EXAMPLE 2

Peppers were packaged as described in example 1. Either Capran 2500 or MDPE/PE films were adhered to the lids covering the openings. Packaged peppers were stored at either room temperature or a lower temperature. Observations from the test are recorded in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Capran 2500 vs. FreshTec at room temperature and refrigerated Label Date Process Tested Weight Observations May 14, 2013 Room Temp MDPE/PE 6 Lbs Packing Day, Day 1 2.95 oz Internal temps of Pepper Room Temp Capran 6 Lbs 12 C. 2500 1.70 oz Cooler 10° C. MDPE/PE 6 Lbs 1.70 oz Cooler 10° C. Capran 6 Lbs 2500 0.90 oz May 15, 2013 Room Temp MDPE/PE No visible moisture Room Temp Capran No visible moisture 2500 Cooler Temp MDPE/PE Start of visible moisture 8° C. Cooler Temp Capran No visible moisture 8° C. 2500 May 17, 2013 Room Temp MDPE/PE No visible moisture Room Temp Capran No visible moisture 2500 Cooler Temp MDPE/PE Minimal moisture, Warmed 4° C. up to room temp for 8 hours Cooler Temp Capran No visible moisture, 4° C. 2500 Warmed up to room temp for 8 hours May 21, 2013 Room Temp MDPE/PE No visible moisture Room Temp Capran No visible moisture 2500 Cooler Temp MDPE/PE Excessive moisture, Warm 1° C. up to room temp for 8 hours Cooler Temp Capran Moisture forming under 1° C. 2500 abel area, Warm up to room temp for 8 hours May 22, 2013 Room Temp MDPE/PE 6 Lbs No visible moisture 2.70 oz Room Temp Capran 6 Lbs No visible moisture 2500 1.30 oz Cooler Temp MDPE/PE 6 Lbs Water dripping off lid, 1° C. 1.65 oz Warm up to room temp for 8 hours Cooler Temp 2500 6 Lbs Moisture really visible 1° C. 0.85 oz now, Warm up to room temp for 8 hours May 23, 2013 Room Temp MDPE/PE No visible moisture Room Temp Capran No visible moisture 2500 Cooler Temp MDPE/PE Moisture staying about the 1° C. same, Warm up to room temp for 8 hours Cooler Temp Capran Increasing moisture build 1° C. 2500 up, Warm up to room temp for 8 hours May 24, 2013 Room Temp MDPE/PE No Visible moisture Room Temp Capran No Visible moisture 2500 Cooler Temp MDPE/PE Warm up to room Temp for 1° C. 8 hours Cooler Temp Capran Warm up to room Temp for 1° C. 2500 8 hours May 27, 2013 Room Temp MDPE/PE 6 Lbs Mold on tip of stems and 2.60 oz mold starting to form on bottom of box Room Temp Capran 6 Lbs Mold on tip of stems 2500 1.10 oz Cooler Temp MDPE/PE 6 Lbs Moisture on lid and on 1° C. 1.65 oz peppers, Warm to room Temp for 8 hours Cooler Temp Capran 6 Lbs Moisture on lid and on 1° C. 2500 0.80 oz peppers but still seem to be less moisture then the FreshTec label, Warm to room Temp for 8 hours Jun. 10, 2013 Room Temp MDPE/PE 6 Lbs Extreme mold on stems, on 1.80 oz the box and on the pepper themselves, End of this experiment Room Temp Capran 6 Lbs Heavy Mold build up on 2500 0.40 oz Stems and start to grow mold on pepper themselves, End of this experiment Cooler Temp MDPE/PE 6 Lbs Very slight mold growth on 8° C. 1.45 oz tip of stems Cooler Temp Capran 6 Lbs Very slight mold growth on 8° C. 2500 0.60 oz tip of stems Jun. 17, 2013 Cooler Temp MDPE/PE 6 Lbs Mold staying about the 8° C. 0.50 oz same as last week, CO₂ 2.3% Cooler Temp Capran 6 Lbs Mold staying about the 8° C. 2500 1.35 oz same as last week, CO₂ 1.9% Jul. 4, 2013 Cooler temp MDPE/PE 6 Lbs Heavy water on lid, CO₂ 8° C. 1.15 oz 2.8%, Light mold on stems, 6 peppers starting to decay, decay of pepper heavier where carton was touching peppers, pepper still cut crisp Cooler temp Capran 5 Lbs Excessive Moisture on lids 8° C. 2500 15.95 oz but ½ of FreshTec label box, CO₂ 4.5%, 2 peppers heavy decay, heavy mold on stems, Pepper still crisp to cut Cooler MDPE/PE .55 oz Pitting and start of decay on one pepper, start of slight dehydration Cooler Capran .95 oz Pitting on one pepper, one 2500 pepper with heavy decay where it was touching paper, the other pepper is soft to touch Room Temp MDPE/PE 1.15 oz Room Temp Capran 1.30 oz 2500

EXAMPLE 3

Cherries and peppers were packaged as described in Example 1. Only Capran 2500 film was adhered the lids to cover the openings in the lids. In some pepper packages, sachets containing oxidizing compounds (sodium chlorite, citric acid and an inert carrier) were placed in the containers to mitigate growth of microbes and spoilage of the peppers or cherries. Time-lapse observations are provided in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Observations of packaged cherries and peppers. Date Process Label Tested Weight Observations Jul. 4, 2013 Cooler Cherries with 9 lbs Brix on Cherries 16 (test with Temp 3° C. reg lid Capran 4.25 oz 10 cherries) Internal 2500 no Temp 11.5° C. Sachet Cherries with 9 lbs Cherries where Dumped in all but 4 holes 4.50 oz water for a second and put covered into box wet Capran 2500 no sachet Peppers with 6 lbs Pepper internal Temp was Reg lid 12.5° C. Capran2500 5 g Sachet Peppers with 5 lbs all but 4 holes 11.20 oz covered Capran 2500 5 g sachet Peppers reg 5 lbs lid Capran 11.95 oz 2500 no sachet Peppers with 5 lbs all but 4 holes 11.50 oz covered Capran 2500 no Sachet Jul. 8, 2013 Cooler Cherries with Light moisture on lid and Temp 3° C. reg lid Capran under label CO₂ 4.6% 2500 no Sachet Cherries with Very light moisture around all but 4 holes taped areas to cover holes covered CO₂ 6.1 Capran 2500 no sachet Peppers with Stems have being bleached Reg lid from sachet, heavier right Capran 2500 under sachet but still 5 g Sachet bleaching of stem near outside of box, CO₂ 2.2% Peppers with No visible moisture, No all but 4 holes notable bleaching of stems covered CO₂ 2.1% Capran 2500 5 g sachet Peppers reg No visible moisture lid Capran CO₂ 1.5% 2500 no sachet Peppers with Moisture around taped areas all but 4 holes CO₂ 1.6% covered Capran 2500 no Sachet Jul. 11, 2013 Cooler Cherries with No changes since July 8 Temp 3° C. reg lid Capran 2500 no Sachet Cherries with No changes since July 8 all but 4 holes covered Capran 2500 no sachet Peppers with No changes since July 8 Reg lid Capran 2500 5 g Sachet Peppers with No changes since July 8 all but 4 holes covered Capran 2500 5 g sachet Peppers reg No changes since July 8 lid Capran moved to 8° C. cooler 2500 no sachet Peppers with No changes since July 8 all but 4 holes moved to 8° C. cooler covered Capran 2500 no Sachet Brix on cherries 16.5 (test 10 cherries) Aug 9, 2013 Cooler Cherries with 9 lbs CO₂ 6.4% Temp 3° C. reg lid Capran 3.80 oz Stems still green, minor mold 2500 no on 5-6 cherries Sachet Cherries with 9 lbs CO₂ 11.7% all but 4 holes 4.05 oz Heavy moisture on lid, green covered stems mold on 2-3 cherries Capran 2500 no sachet Peppers with 5 lbs CO₂ 2.3% Reg lid 15.90 oz Very little moisture, heavy Capran 2500 bleaching of stems, stems 5 g Sachet starting to dry out Peppers with 5 lbs CO₂ 3.0% all but 4 holes 11.25 oz No moisture on lid, slight covered bleaching on stems, 1 pepper Capran 2500 minor decay 5 g sachet Cooler Peppers reg 5 lbs CO₂ 5.4% Temp 8 C. lid Capran 12.05 oz Heavy moisture on lid, mold 2500 no forming on tips of stems sachet Peppers with 5 lbs CO₂ 6.8% all but 4 holes 11.20 oz Heavy moisture on lid covered Capran 2500 no Sachet

Other variations and modifications of the invention are possible. All such modifications or variations are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto. 

1-24. (canceled)
 25. A system for mitigating spoilage of perishable produce and flowers, the system comprising: a container defining a compartment for storage of perishable produce or flowers, the container further defining an opening for providing communication between the compartment and an outside environment; and a film having a water vapor transmission rate coupled to the container to seal the opening of the container and control water vapor transfer according to the water vapor transmission rate while preventing the flow of gases between the compartment and an outside environment.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the water vapor transmission rate of the film is between 170 and 470 g m²/day at between 0° C. and 38° C. and at 100% humidity.
 27. The system of claim 25 wherein the film further comprises an ink background in one or more colors and wherein the ink background cooperates with the film to maintain the water vapor transfer rate of the film.
 28. The system of claim 25, wherein the film is transparent.
 29. The system of claim 25, wherein the film is permeable to water vapor to maintain a relative humidity within the container between 85% to 100%.
 30. The system of claim 25, wherein the film is impermeable to oxygen.
 31. The system of claim 25, wherein the film is impermeable to carbon dioxide.
 32. The system of claim 25, wherein the film has a thickness of 500-10,000 μm.
 33. The system of claim 25, wherein the film has a surface area of 90-500 cm².
 34. The system of claim 27 wherein the ink is hydrophilic and non-metallic.
 35. The system of claim 25, wherein the container is formed from a rigid material formed to maintain shape when carrying perishable produce or flowers.
 36. The system of in claims 25, wherein the film is a polyamide comprised of mixtures of nylon with other polymeric and non-polymeric components.
 37. The system of claim 36, wherein the film is comprised of one or more of nylon-6, nylon-66, nylon-6/66 or nylon-6/12.
 38. A system for mitigating spoilage of perishable produce and flowers, the system comprising: a container defining a compartment for storage of perishable produce and flowers and having a first opening; a lid sealed to the first opening, the lid defining a second opening in communication between the compartment and an outside environment; and a film sealed to the lid and covering the second opening to seal the second opening of the container, the film having a water vapor transfer rate allowing controlled water vapor transfer through the film while preventing the flow of gases between the compartment and outside environment.
 39. The system of claim 38, wherein the film comprises a label for graphic and identifying information and further comprises an ink background over the film, wherein properties of the ink cooperate with the film to maintain the water vapor transfer rate.
 40. The system of claim 38, wherein the water vapor transfer rate of the film increases with an increase in temperature.
 41. The system of claim 38, wherein the lid comprises a recessed surface relative to a surrounding raised surface of the lid, the second opening being defined by the recessed surface and wherein the film is attached to the raised surface of the lid to cover and seal a space defined by the recessed surface and walls between the raised surface and the recessed surface.
 42. The system of claim 41, wherein the recessed surface defines a plurality of perforations.
 43. The system of claim 41, further comprising a sachet positioned in the space and containing contents for mitigating growth of microorganisms in the compartment.
 44. The system of claim 43, wherein the film seals within the compartment antimicrobial vapors from the sachet. 